Medigap and Medicare supplement information for the state of Florida and its counties is below.
Who is eligible for Medigap Plans?
Basically, Medigap plans are available to Medicare recipients that have Part A and Part B coverage and who are not enrolled in Medicaid or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Patients who wish to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan will have to enroll during the open enrollment period.
This period last 6 months and begins the month that the patient turns 65 and when the patient enrolls in Medicare Part B. NOTE: this is a one time open enrollment window! Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, open enrollment doesn’t occur for every senior every November!
What do I do if I missed the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period? How can I get a Medigap policy after open enrollment?
Seniors who have missed the open enrollment period may still apply for a Medicare Supplement policy. However, there is no guarantee that a company will sell or approve the senior’s medicare supplement application. Seniors who apply later will need to meet medical underwriting requirements or meet other select criteria. Seniors who have missed the open enrollment window can find more information here.
How do I switch to a Medicare Supplement plan from Medicare Advantage?
Patients cannot have both a Medicare Supplement plan and a Medicare Advantage Plan, but seniors who have a Medicare Advantage plan are able to change. It is important for the senior to remember that
Why should I choose a Medigap Plan over a Medicare Advantage Plan? What is the difference?
Perhaps the most important distinction is in limits to patient choices. A Medicare Advantage plan will often dictate limitations to the patient — the patient cannot see any doctor or go to any hospital. Unlike a Medicare Advantage PPO or HMO a Medigap plan allows a patient to choose any doctor that accepts Medicare and use any hospital. 
This is a crucial difference. Seniors that travel out of state to visit family or friends will want to make certain if they choose an Advantage Plan that the plan network includes preferred doctor or hospitals in the area they will visit.
Other differences can be reviewed at the Medicare informational site for seniors.
Are Medicare patients under 65 eligible for Medigap plans?
If you are under 65 and a disabled person receiving Medicare benefits, you may indeed be eligible for such a plan. Here is a helpful video from CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
When are the 2014 Medigap rate quotes released for the next year? What month should I shop for Medicare Supplement plans for the next year?
Unfortunately, there is no set date when the Medigap and Medicare supplement plan costs are released by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Private insurers submit their next year projections and then CMS compiles the list and releases it sometime in the fall. Check back here this fall for 2013 updated Medigap rate information !
Can I use my Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) to pay for a Medicare supplement plan?
Unfortunately, Medicare eligible seniors cannot use a Medicare Medical Saving Account (MSA) to pay for a Medicare supplement plan. MSAs are set up to have a high deductible Medicare Advantage plan with a savings account. The government deposits money into the account to pay toward Medicare covered expenses. This is an amount that is usually less than the high deductible. This type of plan may require significant out-of-pocket expenses for enrolling seniors, and unlike Medicare Supplement plans, generally limits choice of doctor and facilities as a traditional Medicare Advantage plan.
Find rates for Medicare Supplement or Medigap Plans in Florida Counties
Here is a short informational video that we have created to show how to find the best medicare supplement rates in Florida.
2013 Florida Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Rates
Miami-Dade County
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- Male age 65 (smoker OR non-smoker) — Best Price Medigap Plan A offering is from United American Insurance Company quoted from $1775.00. Second best is Everence Association Inc. This compares with the highest cost plan offered from $3952 from American Pioneer Life Insurance Company…for the same plan!
- Female age 65 (smoker OR non-smoker) — Best Price Medigap Plan A offering is also from United American Insurance Company priced from $1775.00. Second best is Everence Association Inc. for 1798.60. Compares to the highest cost plan offering from American Pioneer Life Insurance Company at $3952.
Other insurers providing a Medigap policy in Miami-Dade County, FL include Aetna Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Colonial Penn Life, Columbian Mutual, Everence, Gerber, Globe Life and Accident, AARP Medicare Supplement and many others.
Monroe County
- Male Age 67 (non-smoker) —Price Medigap Plan B offerings
- Aetna Life Insurance offers a plan that is $3069
- American Pioneer Life Insurance offers two plans at 2968(preferred) and 2607(std)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida offers Plan B rates at 2734.80
- There is a wide difference between Colonial Penn Life at 3355 and Global at 2633
- Female Age 67 (non-smoker) — Price for Medicare Supplement Plan B range from:
- United American has the most competitive rate Broward County females at 2615
- United Healthcare has a solid premium cost of 2712
- Sterling Investor Life Insurance offers at 3651 for a preferred plan and 3285 for standard
Other Florida county information:
Marion County
- Best Medicare Supplement Plan A rate quoate (for a female smoker aged 65) is offered from Transamerica Life Insurance Company at rate of $1397.
- Columbian Mutual life quotes a Medigap Plan F for a price of $2558.
Jefferson County
Wakulla County
Leon County
Franklin County
- Medicare Supplement plan rate quote for Medigap Plan A for a male non-smoker aged 65 is offered from several companies. Companies that offer rates under 1500 include Globe Life and Accident Insurance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Hartford Life Insurance Company and Transamerica Life Insurance Company.
Liberty County
Gadsden County
Gulf County
Calhoun County
Jackson County
Bay County
Washington County
Holmes County
Walton County
Okaloosa County
Santa Rosa County
Escambia County
Madison County